National Signing Day 2010: Where the Top 50 Recruits are Headed

If your school is lucky, they lost no one, got everyone they expected, and picked up a few they didn't expect and had room for.

And if they're really lucky, they landed one or two (or more) prospects from this list.

Yes, here are they are, the top 50 recruits and where they decided to go on National Signing Day 2010. The rankings are mine, the usual biases apply, and for history's sake I included a bit about their recruitment, and where I see them ending up in the fall.

No. 50: Cassius Marsh, DT, UCLA

I've been rah-rah for defensive line play all year—lines are where games are won or lost—so it's encouraging to see Rick Neuheisel address obvious deficiencies on the Bruins' D-line with players like Cassius Marsh.

The 6'3", 280 lb. defensive tackle drew great reviews for his physical tools, his base, and his upside. Unfortunately, he's on pace to redshirt, but could see the field with injuries, and has the motor and work ethic to blossom into a permanent plug on the interior.

No. 49: Devin Gardner, QB, Michigan

Not too long ago, Tate Forcier was the future of Michigan football. The true freshman looked as composed and confident as a three-year starter, executing game-winning drives on his way into the annals of the winningest program in college football.

But those days are over, and the fact remains: Rich Rodriguez's spread is run-based, not pass-based. Remember that the next time you see one of Forcier's passes thrown five yards over the head of a receiver who breaks the wrong way.

The Wolverines' struggles on offense will surely die down, but Rodriguez won't live up to his hotshot billing until his quarterback is as much of a threat to run as he is to throw.

That quarterback is Devin Gardner, and mark my words: he will be the most exciting quarterback in this class when all is said and done. He has It. Nothing more need be said.

That is, unless Michigan's athletic department decides to nuke the program and fire one of the most brilliant offensive minds in college football. Perish the thought.

No. 47: Silas Redd, RB, Penn State

Though they whiffed on Lattimore, the Nittany Lions cleaned up in Connecticut, landing the top defensive prospect and the top offensive prospect in the same class.

What's more, they provided continuity in the backfield with the fourth-best running back recruit in the nation. The small, speedy Redd could get spot duty immediately, filling in for senior RB Evan Royster and junior RB Stephfon Green.

Redd combines the attributes of both. He has Green's ability to accelerate in the open field, and Royster's knack for popping defenders and picking up yards after contact.

To my surprise Rivals likes him as the most complete back in the nation over Lattimore (though they do ding him for his poor pass-catching ability).

No. 46: Cecil Whiteside, OLB, Cal

An impressive defensive haul for the Golden Bears starts with OLB Cecil Whiteside, a Golden State native who makes quick strides to the ballcarrier and is built like five-star OLB Jordan Hicks.

He's played most of his life as a defensive end, and the switch to the linebacking corps could be troublesome as far as recognizing and reacting to WR patterns, blocking developments, screens and draws goes.

He'll take a redshirt year if he can get it, or bring his reckless abandon to Cal's special teams unit as a true freshman.

No. 45: Alec Ogletree, S, Georgia

As a safety, Ogletree's run support skills could be the best in the nation. He waylays backs and cuts in front and of behind blocks deftly.

But some trouble in coverage and stiffness in his hips might prevent him from remaining in the defensive backfield for his career, and he could wind up as a hybridized LB.

I'm sure the Bulldogs will take him any way they can get him. He'll be a reliable tackler on a defense losing its top two players next year.

But he's on the radar only as an athlete for now. Until the Bulldogs show better coaching in the secondary, those potential problems in coverage and on the deep ball could be exacerbated down the road.

No. 44: Khairi Fortt, ILB, Penn State

Some recruits are innately good, and some are made better by their choice of school.

When Khairi Fortt committed to Penn State, he also chose to become the next great inside backer at Linebacker U.

In Tom Bradley's defense, and with consistency, strength, and faith in the program on his side, the Nittany Lions will forge Fortt, raw but on the verge, into the most improved defensive prospect in the class.

No. 43: Dillon Baxter, ATH, USC

Baxter was one of the recruits on the fence after Pete Carroll's departure to USC. But within a week of reopening his recruitment, Baxter recommitted to the Trojans, placated, and even excited, by Lane Kiffin.

For a 5-star ATH at Running Back U, Baxter's career at USC is somewhat difficult to predict. He's got the stout build to be an every down back, but lacks elite speed. He's got great hands and runs good routes, but isn't tall enough to be a true WR.

It will be interesting to see how Kiffin deploys Baxter and in what amount, since so much of his talent lies in the gray area. Unless Kiffin runs him right up the gut three times before punting. Then it will be uninteresting.

No. 41: Anthony Barr, ATH, UCLA

Notre Dame missed out on their chance at landing a top 50 talent when ATH Anthony Barr chose the UCLA Bruins over his lifelong favorites, the Irish. It goes to show how important personal ties to coaches really are.

That said, I'm not sure where Barr fits into the Bruins' equation. Like Marcus Lattimore at South Carolina, Barr will be Neuheisel's first big-time skill player. Luckily, Neuheisel is also recruiting an offensive line and a defense that will put the offense in position to succeed.

The question remains, what role will Barr play? The Bruins might end up putting him at outside linebacker or weakside end, but that would be wasting his hands and his knack for getting yards after contact.

He doesn't have elite speed, but at 6'4", he could be the Bruins' best target in the red-zone, mismatched as he'd be against the lesser corners.

OC Norm Chow finally has a chance to earn his keep. His should be an interesting career to watch.

No. 40: Ivan McCartney, WR, West Virginia

For a class that suffered a wave of decommitments to close the season, Ivan McCartney's letter of intent had to be welcome news for the Mountaineers.

The wide receiver was torn between Miami and West Virginia, but said in an interview that he wanted to bring the swagger up to the Mountaineers, and believed they had the talent for a national championship.

In truth, the offensive side of the ball is young and extremely talented. Barry Brunetti, a true freshman, joins Geno Jones and senior running back Noel Devine.

Hopefully, the Eers defense puts the gamebreaking wide receiver and his swagger in a position to succeed.

No. 39: Lache Seastrunk, RB, Oregon

I was probably going to leave Seastrunk off this list due to reservations about his size and some unexplained dropoff in his senior year production.

But he chose Oregon, where the ball fake wizardry and explosiveness of Chip Kelly's spread n'shred will surely spring Seastrunk into the open field. He's not a between-the-tackles guy, so he wisely chose to go where he's deadliest.

With that in mind, he could well leave the Pac-10 in the dust as a true freshman if he can grab some carries from starter LaMichael James. A great end to an intriguing recruitment cycle.

No. 38: Demar Dorsey, S, Michigan

In an instant, Demar Dorsey's commitment to the Wolverines drew a collective sigh of relief from the Michigan fanbase.

The Maize and Blue had whiffed on two of their three candidates at safety on national signing day, and Dorsey's announcement was pushed back for a too-long period of time. Some outlets were even reporting he was a Florida State lock.

His enrollment at Michigan means the Wolverines will be bringing the heat again at safety; Dorsey joins fellow Wolverine commit Marvin Robinson, who just missed the top 50 (wink wink), in the defensive backfield.

The recruitniks are split on Dorsey. ESPN likes him as one of their top athletes, but he's raw, and Rivals and Scout wouldn't project him as part of their top ten positionally.

Fact is, he hits people really hard, and that's something Michigan should be doing more of. Amen.

No. 37: Spencer Ware, ATH, LSU

I really liked Ware's output in the Army All-American game—not flashy, not game-breaking; but steady, unselfish, and durable. His statline was indicative, as well. He ended up being the leading rusher in the game, yet didn't stir up a lot of buzz.

That's probably the kind of output he'll have with the Tigers, who need to replace the steady but unspectacular Charles Scott with a durable back of similar build.

Though the Tigers could use a little more flash on offense considering their moribund last few years under OC Gary Crowton, Ware doesn't have the speed of the rest of this class' elite backs.

But if the Tigers are poised to break out on offense next year like many are projecting, Ware is the kind of back they'll need to wear down a defense and set things up for the big play.

No. 36: Gabe King, DE, Cal

With Chris Martin, strongside DE Gabe King will provide a spark to the Bears' defensive line that's been lacking throughout most of Jeff Tedford's head coaching gig in Berkeley.

Though tall, he could slide in and play defensive tackle or move outside and play opposite Martin; whatever gets them both on the field is top priority.

That said, King is much rawer than Martin and hits the point of attack too high, but his raw talent and upside are encouraging. His production will benefit if Martin proves dangerous and draws double-teams.

No. 34: William Gholston, DE/OLB, Michigan State

William could be as good or better than his Buckeye counterpart if he can keep his production more consistent in college. Also, he's a tad tall and thin for a defensive end, but that shouldn't prevent him from providing an immediate pass-rush as a hybrid DE/OLB.

The Spartans' best prospect in years could be the Big Ten's most fearsome end with a few more pounds and some practice time with hand on ground.

No. 28: LaMarcus Joyner, DB, Florida State

This speedy defensive back just needs some polish on his technique. He cannot be outrun, and his recovery burst drew the highest praise from ESPN scouts, who thought it best in class. Plus, he compensates for his smaller stature with an explosive hit-and-drive move.

The first of Florida State's commitments to really turn heads, Joyner is a crucial element in rebuilding the Seminoles' decimated defense, which got beat deep over the top a few too many times in DC Mickey Andrews' final season.

No. 22: Kyle Prater, WR, USC

Since the days of Keyshawn Johnson, tall, questionably fast wide receivers have beat a path to Southern California to catch touchdowns for the Trojans.

Kyle Prater lost the plot for a brief period while the Trojans' head coaching vacancy, but Lane Kiffin's hiring reassured that USC was still the right school. He had one foot in the door anyway, as he'd planned to enroll early after the Army All-American bowl.

His recruitment aside, Prater could become the next great USC receiver with a little more bulk and a little smoother shifting to reach the top gear. He'll outmuscle defensive backs at the line of scrimmage, and woe to any undersized corner who tries to undercut him.

At 6'5", Prater will be the most dangerous receiver running the smash route in all of college football in a few years or less.

No. 21: Jordan Hicks, OLB, Texas

Along with locking down the state's four- and five-star talent and stealing one or two from Oklahoma, the Longhorns added a new notch to their recruiting bedpost this year.

5-star OLB Jordan Hicks', an out-of-state kid who waffled and waited until the eve of National Signing Day to announce his commitment, is the kind of player who was beyond Mack Brown's patience a few years ago.

But the infusion of young, competitive spirit (and the unbroken succession plan) Will Muschamp brings as Texas' defensive coordinator allows the Longhorns to land kids that didn't necessarily grow up making the Hook 'Em sign out their car windows all day.

Hicks could see time on special teams next year, but he's more likely a project for Will Muschamp physically and tactically, and will redshirt and grow if time allows.

No. 20: Jeff Luc, ILB, Florida State

The monster middle linebacker chose the Florida State Seminoles in the midst of Bobby Bowden's protracted exit, when the Seminoles were without a replacement at defensive coordinator.

Yet his faith was rewarded. The 2010 'Noles defense promise some of the brightest and youngest talent next year, under an up-and-coming coordinator, at a school with a tradition of fielding smothering defenses.

Luc himself is perhaps the most physically and mentally ready linebacker in the class, and he enrolled early to take advantage of the opportunity for immediate play.

His ferocity, particularly in run support, is intimidating. His durability will be tested next year when he hits the field early and makes a bid for Freshman All-American.

No. 19: Demarco Cobbs, ATH/S, Texas

Some sites list Cobbs as an athlete—ESPN evaluates him extensively as a single-wing/Wildcat quarterback—but the Longhorns are probably looking for him to fill in at defensive back now that Earl Thomas departed early to the NFL.

Rivals vouches for his skills at defensive back, listing him as the third best safety.

All of the scouts think that the learning curve at any position won't be steep based on Cobbs' natural instincts and playing ability. Texas could mix him in at return duties as well, now that Jordan Shipley is gone.

At any rate, he's another UT recruit who will make an immediate impact as a freshman. If the Longhorns are aiming for another Big 12 title soon, players like Cobbs could help them avoid down-time.

No. 17: Matt Elam, DB, Florida

Elam's recruitment would have taken home the award for most dramatic had it happened a little later in the season.

He was wavering on the Gators even before Urban Meyer swooned, once Charlie Strong left for Louisville. In the wake of Meyer's retire-in-statement, Elam decommitted for rival Florida State, only to recommit to the Gators at the Army Bowl. That last one stuck until signing day, despite rumors that all still wasn't well.

The Gators like him at safety, but where he should really excel is on special teams. Brandon Jacobs departs as the Gators all-time greatest special teams player, but his loss could be forgotten if Elam is as good as advertised in the open field.

No. 16: Owamagbe Odighizuwa, DE, UCLA

"Owa" as he will formally be known, seemed to be leaning towards the Huskers, but was not impressed with their academics (sorry, Big Red, his words, not mine) and chose the Bruins at the eleven-and-a-halfth hour.

The high-motored DE prospect joins Cassius Marsh on the Bruins' interior line, and will hopefully be of assistance in aiding UCLA's ailing rush defense.

Another great 2010 get for Rick Neuheisel—Owa's commitment was really UCLA capitalizing on USC's struggles in one way or another.

No. 14: Shon Coleman, OT, Auburn

No one will get close to Cameron Newton once Shon Coleman gets a little technique in his memory banks and a little more strength in his legs.

The 6'7" 285-lb mammoth OT drew raves from Rivals for his attitude, and is the top prospect in the state of Mississippi, making him a major steal for Gene Chizik and co.

Did you know: Mississippi prospects, for whatever reason, have the highest rate of becoming NFL successes. Chances are Chizik and Gus Malzahn will expedite that process with outstanding coaching. An amazing get.

No. 11: Robert Crisp, OL, NC State

Though nowhere near him in terms of flash, NC State's Robert Crisp may be more college-ready than his mammoth OT counterpart, Seantrel Henderson.

He better be with the way things have shaken out for Tom O'Brien and the Wolf Pack. NC State missed a bowl this year despite boasting the ACC's second-best passing offense, and the Pack lose their leading tackler from a defensive unit that was already awful.

If Russell Wilson is expected to keep the Pack in every game, he'll need help on the blind-side. Crisp, who committed in mid-January, can hopefully oblige.

No. 10: Reggie Wilson, DE, Texas

Lost in the hubbub over Jackson Jeffcoat was the fact that Texas already had their all-star bull-rushing defensive end prospect in Reggie Wilson.

Rivals thinks Wilson will end up resembling Brian Orakpo, taller, thicker, more muscular than Kindle or Jeffcoat. He and Jeffcoat will form a ruthless tandem on passing downs, and both will benefit from each other for teams that try and just block one.

And as an added bonus, his size makes him great in run support. He's a sound player and a key cog in a class that could be one of the decade's best when it's all said and done.

No. 9: Chris Martin, DE, Cal

Much of Cal's woes in the secondary, including the loss of NFL talent Syd'Quan Thompson, might be solved next year via the pass-rushing talents of strongside DE Chris Martin.

The ex-Notre Dame commitment jumped ship after Charlie Weis' firing and landed with the Golden Bears.

Martin is a sturdy prospect who will require little immediate physical development, and already resembles Julius Peppers, according to Rivals. That's good news for a Cal team that wilted against its top competition and is in need of a spark on both sides of the ball.

No. 8: Jackson Jeffcoat, DE, Texas

Over OLB Jordan Hicks and kicker Will Russ (hey, every team needs a kicker!), Jeffcoat is the crown jewel of the Longhorns 2010 class, the most complete and well-rounded squad in the country.

A cross between Brian Orakpo's hand-to-the-turf bullrushing ability and Sergio Kindle's slippery, unblockable inside move, Jeffcoat is the new face of the Longhorns pass rush. Texas' class was already great before he and Hicks committed on the same day, he over offers from Oklahoma and the Houston Cougars. But when he said Hook' Em, a great class became phenomenal.

No. 6: Da'Rick Rogers, WR, Tennessee

Rogers was a very late addition to the Tennessee Volunteers, joining Rocky Top as a package deal with QB Nash Nance after an eye-opening visit.

The one-time Georgia commit is drawing comparisons to current Bulldog AJ Green in terms of size, strength, and the knack for getting open in double coverage.

The question now becomes, who will throw to him? The competition between Nance, early enrollee Tyler Bray, JUCO transfer Matt Simms and junior Nick Stephens should make for improved play from a position whose only goal was to not lose games under Lane Kiffin.

No. 5: Latwan Anderson, ATH

If and when Latwan Anderson decides to commit to a university, he brings the uncommon athletic vision of a safety and the punishing speed of a running back.

His current suitors are Ohio State, West Virginia and USC. Kiffin has lured him out West to visit before he commits.

He was a foreseeable but unlikely choice to extend his recruitment past NSD, but the Mountaineers just weren't right for him (possibly because Doc Marshall is now at, well, Marshall), and Ohio State is having trouble clearing him past their compliance department.

I'd say the Trojans have the best shot, and if they land him, could really upset the balance of power in the top three.

Nos. 3,2,1: Florida's Unholy Trinity—Easley, Floyd, Powell

Individually, I would disperse them across a list like this.

But together, Dominique Easley, Sharrif Floyd and Ronald Powell are like the Fab Five of defensive lines. They'll be a force in the SEC for as long as they decide to play in college, but players like them are pre-professionals.

Easley was an early landing for the Penn State Nittany Lions. But he dropped JoePa's team just before playing in the Under Armour All-American Bowl, where he tore up the competition.

His announcement for the Florida Gators surprised many who felt Urban Meyer's recruiting class would go out with a whimper.

Meanwhile, monstrous DT Sharrif Floyd promised to "shock" the recruiting world with his decision.

But in retrospect, his commitment to the Florida Gators at the Army All-American game (where he absolutely destroyed good competition on the interior) was entirely foreseeable.

The mountainous five-star, a Pennsylvania native, wants to compete against the best in practice and on the field. He's only following the natural flow.

Finally, there was Ronald Powell.

The last of the unholy three to commit to the Florida Gators, Powell also put on a show at the Army All-American game, catching a pass for a touchdown and returning a blocked point ninety yards for a special teams score.

His natural speed should help him compensate for a questionable build, but he'll be beastly for the Florida Gators on the strong- or weakside. Rivals thinks he's the best end in the class, and I'm inclined to agree.